UAE: Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup to be held on January 8

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

It’s one of the most important equestrian events in the UAE: Dalmouk

Published: December 29, 2021 18:38 Staff Report

Dubai: The 14th edition of the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup will be hosted at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on January 8, 2022. Held over a distance of 119 km, the prestigious race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, is being organised by Dubai Equestrian Club in association with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.

A key event on the UAE equestrian calendar, the race attracts prominent riders and horses and also marks the conclusion of the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival, which features a total of four endurance rides in different categories: the ladies endurance ride; the endurance ride for private stables; the ‘Yamamah’ endurance ride for Mares, as well as the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup...

Read more here:
https://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/dubai-crown-prince-endurance-cup-to-be-held-on-january-8-1.84657532

Saudi Arabia: AlUla to host Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup on Jan 29 2022

Arabnews.com - Full Article

by ZAID KHASHOGJI
December 27, 2021

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2022, will be held on Jan. 29 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo will see four teams compete between Feb. 11-12 in a specially built arena

RIYADH: AlUla is hosting two world-class equestrian events for the second time in two years.

The first, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2022, will be held on Jan. 29.

It is an 120 kilometer endurance competition organized in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation.

Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. Both sporting events are being held as part of the Winter at Tantora festival taking place over the next six weeks.

The Endurance Cup will see more than 200 riders compete in one of the most exciting long-distance horse races in the world. It is the third year that the tournament is being held, and more than SR15 million ($4.2 million) in prize money is on offer...

Read more here:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1993836/sport

2021: A Year in Endurance and Vaulting

FEI.org - Full Article

by Patricia Salem

All the top action from the last 12 months... For Endurance and Vaulting athletes, 2021 saw a return to competition later in the year after time off in the winter.

Here’s a look back at the major events in these disciplines, which showcased incredible teamwork in Endurance and the importance of persistence in Vaulting...

Longines FEI Endurance World Championship™

It was the United Arab Emirates and Spain who dominated at the Longines FEI Endurance World Championship™ at the San Rossore Estate in Pisa, Italy, kicking off the Endurance season in May.

Salem Hamad Saeed Al Kitbi of the UAE became the new World champion aboard the 10-year-old Arabian mare Haleh, winning the gold medal in Individual competition...

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/2021-year-endurance-and-vaulting

Interview with Jean-Michel Grimal Chef d’Équipe of the French team

Endurance-world.com - Full ArticleInfo@endurance-world.com
21st December 2021
Photo credit: Eric Trescazes and Murielle Mulder Fotografie

Artagnan, South of France. The French endurance team has been performing very well in the last championships and heading this team is 45 year old Jean-Michel Grimal.

Who is Jean-Michel Grimal?

“My parents were carpenters, my mother was very keen on horses. When she was pregnant of me, she decided to cover her mare. So I arrived the same year as the first foal in Artagnan breeding. Passionate for horses from my young age I tried to do normal school and horse riding. And for sure I got the passion for horses from her. From childhood I was active with horses testing all what you could do with horses.

It is difficult to speak about myself. I am a farrier, horse breeder and trainer. I consider myself to be a real horse man. So I tried to learn and keep going to learn from experienced horse people in all different disciplines, from the breeding to competition.

At school, I learnt mathematics and marketing and with horses I passed the exam to become farrier...”

Read more at:
https://endurance-world.com/jean-michel-grimal-chef-dequipe-of-the-french-team/

Endurance GB agrees rule change to grow the sport

EGB.Myclubhouse.co.uk

Web Admin Press Release
17 December 2021

Rule changes at Endurance GB Annual General Meeting cement bid to grow the sport

• Minimum speed for all open/advanced Graded Endurance Rides was reduced from 10kph to 9kph
• Compulsory midway vetgate to be introduced at all rides over 46km to strengthen horse welfare
• Three new board appointees announced each dedicated to supporting existing board in building Endurance GB participation and membership

Endurance GB’s Annual General Meeting held at Woodland Grange in Leamington Spa on Saturday, 27 November 2021 saw some key changes to Endurance GB's rule book approved by the membership:

The minimum speed for all open/advanced Graded Endurance Rides was reduced from 10kph to 9kph, and ride organisers were also given the ability to apply to the Endurance GB Board to lower their minimum speed further on a ride-by-ride basis. This will make more challenging courses a more attractive prospect to riders. It will also allow riders to better prepare their horses for longer distances by following the old adage: increase distance before speed

• There will be a compulsory midway vetgate in all rides over 46km, strengthening horse welfare and making longer rides more attractive to riders attempting a longer distance for the first time
• Riders who retire at a midway vetgate following a successful vetting will be able to claim a completion and grading for the distance that they have ridden up to that point. This will encourage people to have a go at longer distances
• 1st-3rd 'Performance Formula' placings will be offered for all Graded Endurance Rides alongside the existing grading awards, giving an additional competitive challenge for riders
• Some of the championship rules and eligibility criteria were amended and clarified. The minimum distance for the Young Rider National Championship was reduced from 120km to 80km, putting it within reach of a wider range of young riders
• Some minor amendments have been made to the Para-Equestrian Endurance rules to simplify the administrative process for Para-Equestrian riders.

Operations Director Esther Young said: "These are exciting changes which will increase our appeal in the wider equestrian community and will make progression both to higher distances and to more challenging courses far more attractive whilst keeping horse welfare at our heart. We have a full season planned for 2022 with distances from 5km to 160km and we are very much looking forwards to welcoming all levels of riders to our events. Endurance riding really is a sport that has something for everyone."

More at:
https://egb.myclubhouse.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Endurance+GB+agrees+rule+change+to+grow+the+sport

Botswana: Sefhophe horse race dangles P25,000 prize money

Mmegi.bw - Full Article

December 17 2021
Kabelo Boranabi

A whooping P25,000 prize money will be on offer in the annual equestrian sport event dubbed Sefhophe Horse Challenge (SHC). The Sefhophe Horse Challenge is a carnival-style horse race billed for December 16 in Sefhophe.

The winner of the main events, the 40km Thoroughbred (TB) and Endurance races will pocket the five-figure prize money each, the highest in local horse racing...

Read more here:
https://www.mmegi.bw/sports/sefhophe-horse-race-dangles-p25000-prize-money/news

FEI Tribunal issues Final Decision in equine anti-doping case

Inside.FEI.org

09 December 2021
Author: FEI

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Spootnick Davril (FEI ID 104YN31/BEL), ridden by Raoul Ronsmans (FEI ID 10014170/BEL), tested positive for the Banned Substance O-desmethylvenlafaxine, following samples taken at the CEI2*70 + (2) Monpazier (FRA), on 27-29 August 2021.

The athlete explained that the positive test result probably came from the actions of his groom, who had urinated in the stall of the horse during the above mentioned Event, while taking anti-depressant medication containing the Banned Substance since several years.

In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal accepted the agreement reached between the FEI and the athlete, according to which the athlete bears no fault or negligence for the Rule Violation and therefore shall not serve any period of ineligibility and the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility. The athlete will also not incur any fines.

The full Decision is available here.

Court reduces length of suspension against Belgian Endurance figure, but fine upheld

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

December 4, 2021
Horsetalk.co.nz

A prominent figure in the Endurance community has had his suspension reduced in his appeal against an FEI Tribunal decision that found he had falsified FEI horse passports.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland reduced the length of Pierre Arnould’s suspension from 20 months to 14 months. It left in place the fine of 5000 Swiss francs, along with the tribunal order for a 7000 franc contribution toward legal costs.

The CAS said in its written decision that the FEI vaccination system was insufficiently robust and should be improved.

Arnould is a 61-year-old Belgian national who has been involved in equestrian sport for 35 years, in particular Endurance. He served as team leader of the Belgian national team for many years, organised two FEI Endurance European Championships, one FEI Endurance World Championship, and is an active trainer of Endurance horses...

Read more here:
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2021/12/04/court-suspension-endurance-figure-fine-upheld/

The Spanish King’s Cup at Ademuz

Endurance-World.com - Full Article

Race Report made with the assistance of Jackie Paarhuis and Manuel Ferrer Gómez for Albalat Endurance
Photo credit: David López
30 November 2021

Ademuz, Valencia, Spain. Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 November 2021 saw the end of the 5th endurance season in Ademuz.

With 5 competitions to choose from, riders from around Spain and abroad came to enjoy this rural Spanish area.

With a tried and tested track, the organiser included a CEI3* competition for the first time. This class brought a new level to Ademuz, with 7 out of the 8 starting combinations completing the course. For the first 2 loops the group stayed relatively close together. During the 3rd loop four riders, David Vilar, Roberto Laherran, Silvia Yebra and Gorka Llaguno broke away raising their average loop speed from around 17.5km/hr to around 21.5km/hr. This speed was maintained, and superseded until the last second, with a high-speed sprint finish by David Vilar on Koheilan Ishani CA and Roberto Laherran on Pirlo, finishing first and second respectively...

More story and photos here:
https://endurance-world.com/the-spanish-kings-cup-at-ademuz/

Cautious hope hyposensitivity testing is leading to ‘changed mentality’ in endurance

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Lucy Elder
28 November, 2021 12:21

A LEADING vet has aired cautious hope that targeted hyposensitivity testing is having a “very deterrent effect” in endurance.

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström shared the news of the “very successful control programme” at the federation’s general assembly last week (14–17 November).

He said the programme, which ran across 2020 and 2021, was designed to protect horses from being nerve blocked before or during rides.

A total of 395 horses were examined at FEI events, with 452 examinations. Of these, four positive cases were found.

“It’s been a really, really useful tool and the reactions from the endurance community have been very positive,” said Mr Åkerström...

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/cautious-hope-hyposensitivity-testing-is-leading-to-changed-mentality-in-endurance-770507

Ireland: End of season rides for ILDRA

Farmweek.com - Full Article

By Bree Rutledge
November 25, 2021

ILDRA (Irish Long Distance Riding Association) has hosted several pleasure rides (PRs) and competitive trail rides (CTRs) throughout 2021, offering numerous riders the opportunities to enjoy safe off-road riding with their horses.

ILDRA returned to the very popular venue of Shane’s Castle on October 10 for a day of riding in glorious autumn sunshine. Attending riders enjoyed the riding trails on offer through the Shane’s Castle Estate and into the neighbouring Randalstown Forest.

Thanks go to the Conly family for marking the route and to Emma Hayes and David Cunningham for running the event on the day. Thanks also go to the O’Neill family and Shane’s Castle Estate staff for allowing access and for the Forestry Service for allowing access to Randalstown Forest...

Read more here:
https://farmweek.com/end-of-season-rides-for-ildra/

FEI Endurance World Championship to stay in Italy as Verona secures 2022 edition

Insidethegames.biz

By Geoff Berkeley
Saturday, 19 December 2020

Isola della Scala in the Italian province of Verona has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2022 International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Endurance World Championship.

The FEI Board made the decision at a videoconference meeting this week as it looks to keep the event in Italy.

Italian city Pisa was due to stage the competition this year before it was moved to May 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sabrina Ibáñez, secretary general of the FEI, said they were pleased to have the "experience and passion" of the Verona Organising Committee to run the 2022 edition.

"We will be working closely with the organisers and the Italian Equestrian Federation to ensure that this is a top-notch sporting event that challenges the strategic skills of our athletes and brings the sport back to its original roots of endurance riding rather than endurance racing," said Ibáñez...

Read more at:
https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1102205/fei-endurance-world-championship-2022

Gaucho Derby Academy Launched

TheEquestrianists.com

The Equestrianists
November 16 2021

Ever considered taking on the Mongol or Gaucho Derby but not sure if you’ve got the experience to tackle the beast?

"In 2019 we launched our first academy to help acclimatise people to the unique challenges of multi-horse relay racing. This took place in Mongolia and was rather awesome. So we’re expanding the idea globally. Soon we hope to have academies in countries around the World so more people can get a flavour of the adventure sport we love without having to commit to a full race.

And so it is with some excitement that we announce the launch of the second of our academies.

The Gaucho Derby Academy. Happening in Argentine Patagonia from 17th February to the 23rd February. This is a multi-day immersive and educational experience which trains equestrians to to tackle our 500km Gaucho Derby. We’ve taken inspiration from The Gaucho Derby pre race training camp and created an intensive six day experience where you can learn the survival and horsemanship skills you need plus get immersed in the culture and lifestyle of the Gauchos of Patagonia. It all culminates in helping the Gauchos with a multi-day wild horse roundup across the wilderness.

Our team of international event managers, local Gauchos, equine experts, medics and veterinarians will lead the experiences on navigation, riding the gnarly terrain, wilderness survival and managing horse health throughout this adventure. Once you’ve graduated you’ll be confident in your skillset to tackle the beast that is The Gaucho Derby.

There is a load more information and an itinerary on our website here..."
https://equestrianists.com/guides/gaucho-derby-academy/

Great Britain: Winning endurance pony proves his versatility by successful switching to the show ring

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Alex Robinson
10 November, 2021

Until recently the Connemara gelding Carrowkeel Storm was a proven all-rounder who was more commonly found on the endurance circuit. But when his owner, Hannah Sedgwick, took him to a showing competition to keep another horse company on the lorry, she realised that her pony of a lifetime could have the right features to make it in the show ring.

After only contending a handful of shows together, the pair are set to make their debut in the SEIB Search For A Star mountain and moorland (M&M) final at Your Horse Live, after qualifying on their first attempt at West Wilts Equestrian Centre.

Hannah was first acquainted with Storm, now 11, when he was an unbroken five-year-old.

“He was living in a field next to where we kept our old horse and my mum, Clare, had helped his owner move him into a new field,” explains Hannah, who works as a pub supervisor. “She said to Mum that if we needed something to do, we were more than welcome to do some work with Storm. When I came back from my ski season I instantly fell in love with him and after having him on loan he was then kindly gifted to us by his owner...”

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/carrowkeel-storm-sfas-768758

A test of endurance: Five-day ‘Gallops of Jordan’ equestrian race ends in Petra

JordanTimes.com - Full Article

By Batool Ghaith - Nov 02,2021

AMMAN — Led by HRH Princess Jalila Bint Ali, Jordan took sixth place among 25 teams in the 200km five-day long “Gallops of Jordan” race from Wadi Rum to Petra.

The event, which took place from October 23-30, involved 25 teams of 133 riders from 15 different countries. The race started in Wadi Rum and ended in the ancient rose-red city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was won by the French team “Blue Ghallah”.

According to race organiser Sameer Ahmad, the race had previously taken place in India, Morocco and Oman, this being the fourth edition of the event in Jordan.

“This edition had many more people than the previous editions; many people were still on the waiting list as well. We had a few important personalities in the race, a model who won Miss France six years ago, and a Belgian rider who lost both her legs from above the knee in a car crash, and she managed to finish the race,”Ahmad told The Jordan Times over the phone...

Read more here:
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/test-endurance-five-day-%E2%80%98gallops-jordan%E2%80%99-equestrian-race-ends-petra

Spanish Endurance Trainer Suspended

Inside.FEI.org

FEI Tribunal issues Consent Award in equine anti-doping case

3 November 2021

The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, a horse trained by Maria Esperanza Alonso Calero (FEI ID 10150176/ESP), tested positive for the Banned Substance Nimesulide following samples taken at the CEI1*100 Badajoz (ESP), on 22 May 2021.

The trainer admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the trainer starting from the date of the Consent Award (2 November), the provisional suspension already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. She was also fined CHF 5,000.

The full Decision is available here.

Epic horse race gallops through Jordan's desert

Runners and riders pictured in the first stage (Wadi Rum) of the 200-kilometre (125-mile) five-day long "Gallops", which ended at Petra's famed Treasury building LIONEL BONAVENTURE AFP

France24.com - Full Article

30/10/2021

Galloping across the shimmering red sands of Jordan's spectacular Wadi Rum valley, more than one hundred riders on horses swept through the lunar-like desert as part of an epic long-distance race.

The 200-kilometre (125-mile) five-day long "Gallops" race, involving mainly amateur jockeys, started in Wadi Rum and ended Friday in the famed ancient desert city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Quazane, an amateur French team comprised of five women medics, took second place, beating the all-male Royal Cavalry of Oman into third spot.

The race was won by another French team, Blue Ghallah, made up of three women and two men.

The cross-country team event, which organisers billed as an "orienteering and endurance equestrian race" across "sparse desert terrains, canyons and mountains" has previously taken place in India, Morocco and Oman...

Read more here:
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211030-epic-horse-race-gallops-through-jordan-s-desert

Spain: Valencian Junior Championship and other races in Ademuz

Endurance-World.com - Full Article

27 October 2021
Race Report made with the assistance of Jackie Paarhuis and Manuel Ferrer Gómez for Albalat Endurance

Ademuz, Valencia, Spain. Saturday 16 October 2021.

It was the second international competition of the Ademuz 2021 season. 45 combinations competed over 100km and 120km.

The focus for the CEIYJ1* 100km was the Valencian Junior Championship, with a total of 11 young local riders competing for the title. For the first two loops the main group of riders remained together, with an average speeds of 18-19km/h and no clear leader. During the last loop Marina Villalba on Natur Gabo went out in first position, with Nacho Garcia on BJ Noviembre half a minute behind. As the total 100km distance was split into three loops the last 30km loop was long enough for all to change the standings. Initially going out in 8th place at start of the loop, with almost a 4-minute difference from the lead, Lucia Navarro and Amin Al Zaraq came in a clear minute ahead of the trailing group. Martina Madrid on Fraile, Marina Villalba and Carmen Rojo de Miguel on Favorita of Gredos, fought it out for second, third and fourth place with a high-speed sprint finish over the last kilometre. Fraile took his rider, Martina Madrid to the podium for the second consecutive time in Ademuz with second place, leaving Marina Villalba and Carmen in third and fourth place respectively. The average speed for all riders completing the distance was around 18-20km/h...

Read more here:
https://endurance-world.com/valencian-junior-championship-and-other-races-in-ademuz/

Epic Eurasian horse ride begins on a cold Russian beach

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

October 26, 2021
Horsetalk.co.nz

Nikita Gretsi, equipped with a special high-tech suit to keep out the bone-chilling cold of a Russian winter, has embarked on a remarkable 14,100km ride on a hardy Yakutian horse across Eurasia.

Gretsi has left the Pacific coast of Russia on a route that will take him to the Atlantic coast of Europe, then on to London.

The founder of the Long Riders’ Guild, CuChullaine O’Reilly, has characterized Gretsi’s ambitious ride as The Last Great Journey...

Read more and see more photos here:
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2021/10/26/epic-eurasian-horse-ride-cold-russian-beach/

Minor’ Event Revamp Finally Closes Major Loophole in Endurance

HorseSport.com - Full Article

Many 120km endurance rides in the desert will have to run under FEI rules in future, unless organisers drastically reduce the number of foreigners invited.

By Cuckson Report
Pippa Cuckson | October 25, 2021

A loophole that allowed organisers to side-step FEI rules at numerous high-profile endurance rides for over a decade is finally being closed. The FEI board has resolved to remove 2* senior endurance events from the category of “Minor” events (CIMs), to be rubber-stamped at the FEI General Assembly next month in Antwerp, Belgium.

High-profile races will be particularly affected in the UAE, the country at the centre of so many welfare, doping and cheating scandals. They include the Al Reef Cup in Abu Dhabi where Splitters Creek Bundy broke both forelegs in 2015. That grotesque incident exposed the FEI to a barrage of criticism when it initially responded that the ride’s categorization gave the FEI no jurisdiction.

If the UAE wishes to involve a large international field in its 120km and other 2* races in future, all must either run under FEI rules, or drastically reduce the number of foreigners invited...

Read more here:
https://horsesport.com/cuckson-report-1/minor-event-revamp-finally-closes-major-loophole-in-endurance/

UAE Endurance Rider Suspended for Horse Abuse

Inside.FEI.org

FEI Tribunal issues Final Decision in Horse Abuse case

25 October 2021

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in the case against Ahmed Ali Mohammed Allay Al-Naqbi (FEI ID 10114817/UAE) for alleged abuse of the horse F S Don Juan FEI ID 104SN64/UAE ) at the CEI1* 100km at Al Wathba (UAE) on 8 December 2018. The case was opened by the FEI following a protest lodged by a third person.

Video footage showed the athlete repeatedly kicking the horse and flicking the reins from one side of the neck to the other. As this caused the horse unnecessary mental and physical discomfort, this constituted an Abuse of the Horse as per Article 142 of the FEI General Regulations.

The athlete has been suspended for six months from the date of the decision (22 October 2021) and was also fined CHF 1.500 and asked to pay costs of CHF 500. The results of the athlete/horse combination at the event have been disqualified.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision

The full Decision is available here.

Jordanian Endurance Trainer Doping Suspension

Inside.FEI.org

19 Octobrt 2021

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in two equine anti-doping cases involving a Banned Substance.

Two horses trained by Khldoon Mohd Al Sayed (FEI ID 10014556/JOR), tested positive for the Banned Substance Strychnine following samples taken at the CEI1*80 – Wadi Rum (JOR), on 14 November 2019.

The trainer was not able to establish how the Banned Substance entered the system of each horse.

In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal imposed a three-year suspension on the trainer, deeming that, the same trainer having two horses testing positive at the same event, constituted aggravating circumstances. The period of the provisional suspension of the trainer, which came into effect on 13 January 2020, shall be credited against the period of ineligibility, meaning he will be ineligible until 12 January 2023. The trainer was also fined CHF 7,500 and asked to pay costs of CHF 2,000. The FEI Tribunal also disqualified both athlete and horse combinations from the event.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision

The full Decision is available here.

Germany: First time races in Trechwitz

Endurance-World.com - Full Article

Race Report made with the assistance of Juliette Mallison
Photo Credit: Juliette Mallison and Miriam Lewin
14th October 2021

Trechwitz, Germany. Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September 2021.

CEI 1* and 2* rides over 100km and 120km for seniors and young riders/juniors took place for the first time at the Biohof zu Mühlenberg in Trechwitz in the state of Brandenburg located not far from Berlin.

The CEI rides in Trechwitz were new rides along forest and field tracks in a beautiful region of Brandenburg which included part of the National Park Rietzer See. As the riders were on the first loop they were accompanied by the cries of thousands of wild geese, that rose into the air as they went by the lake. Quite a new experience on a ride! This loop also included a metal bridge which, despite being covered with a carpet and wood shavings, was not always the easiest to cross for the horses. However this was managed without too much difficulties.

After Covid and with the FEI Herpes Requirements, riders were eager to start, finish and qualify on these new FEI rides. Riders and horses came from the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland...

Read more here:
https://endurance-world.com/first-time-races-in-trechwitz/

FEI Queries Horse Welfare Priorities at Top Endurance Stable

HorseSport.com - Full Article

UAE trainer is suspended for four years after revealing banned Tridenosen is routinely kept on the premises.

By: Pippa Cuckson | October 12, 2021

The FEI has strongly criticized the routine and unsupervised use of medications by a leading UAE endurance stable during an anti doping hearing by the FEI Tribunal. A four-year ban has been imposed on trainer Abdul Kader Abdul Sattar, who has previously been suspended for a steroids offence, with rider Omar Ibrahim banned for two years. Their “often” lame Kassidy de Jansavis tested positive to Diisopropylamine during the CEI 2* 120km ride at Bou Thib, Abu Dhabi, in November 2019.

The source was Tridenosen, which is “commonly” used to relieve tying-up at Al Maghaweer Stables, along with Tripart supplement which does not contain prohibited substances.

In response to claims of a mix-up by a technician, the FEI said procedures at Al Maghaweer Stables had been demonstrated as “insufficient and erroneous.”

The FEI said: “Al Maghaweer Stables advertise themselves as ‘7-star endurance stables.’ Therefore, the FEI believed one should first and foremost ask a question why the product Tridenosen, of which [Sattar] as well as the veterinarians know contains a Prohibited Substance, is kept on the premises of such stables and apparently used routinely...

Read more here:
https://horsesport.com/horse-news/fei-queries-horse-welfare-priorities-top-endurance-stable/

FEI Suspends Jordanian Endurance Rider; UAE Rider and Trainer

The FEI has issued final decisions in equine anti-doping cases involving banned substances.

In one, the horse Kassidy de Jansavis (FEI ID 104QP93/UAE), ridden by Omar Ibrahim AL Marzooqi (FEI ID 10137894/UAE) and trained by Abdul Kader Abdul Sattar (FEI ID 10032531/UAE), tested positive for the Banned Substance Diisopropylamine following samples taken at the CEI2*120 – Bou Thib (UAE), on 1-2 November 2019.

More on that one here:
https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/fei-tribunal-issues-final-decision-equine-anti-doping-case-3

In another one, The horse Bouzarika (FEI ID 106RJ34/JOR), ridden by Sameh Faris Mohammad Said (FEI ID 10040466/JOR), tested positive for the Banned Substance Strychnine following samples taken at the CEI1*80 – Wadi Rum (JOR), on 14 November 2019.

The athlete was not able to provide any explanation as to how the Banned Substances entered the horse’s system.

More on that oe here:
https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/fei-tribunal-issues-final-decision-equine-anti-doping-case-4

Great Britain: Janice Cockley-Adams crowned National Champion

EGB.Myclubhouse.co.uk - Full Article

Janice Cockley-Adams crowned National Champion at epic Endurance GB British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company Red Dragon Festival

01 October 2021

Janice Cockley-Adams and HS Echo crowned National Champions after epic two-day 160km Red Dragon class at British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company Festival of Endurance

Advanced 80km championship goes to Hertfordshire rider Gemma Grodkiewicz and Magical Merlin

Novice championship goes to Dorset rider Georgie Davis and Welsh Section D Plasbach Twm

Often billed as an end of season party, the iconic British Horse Feeds & Golden Paste Company Red Dragon Festival of Endurance was back for the first time since 2019 featuring an array of Endurance GB’s National titles.

The Red Dragon ride, which sets off from the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, is seen as a bucket list event for most endurance riders. This year’s track offered firm going and in places, slippery grass tracks, which in humid conditions needed careful navigation.

Just 4.5km from the start, the Red Dragon route takes riders over the legendary feature climb over the 400-metre Aberedw Hill. After tackling this, competitors are led out onto a spectacular grass covered plateau and onto mountain trails...

Read more here:
https://egb.myclubhouse.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Janice+CockleyAdams+crowned+National+Champion

Australia: Young endurance rider continues to impress

GympieToday.com.au - Full Article

29/09/2021
By Rose Astley

Spending up to 13 hours on horseback wouldn’t sound enticing to most, but endurance riding is a passion for young Tahlea Lochtenberg, and she has proven time and time again that she is one of the best in the sport.

The 16-year-old has won three endurance competitions in recent weeks, following in her family’s footsteps.

Tahlea recently competed in the Kholo, Mt Larcom and Biggenden endurance rides and with the help of her horse Matta Mia Kassanov, successfully placed first in all three events.

“The Kholo endurance ride was a new ride and I had never ridden there before. The Kholo endurance club that were hosting the event had warned that the track was going to be hard,” Tahlea said.

“It was very hilly and it was hard work for the horses but we train in the Imbil forestry and our horses are used to big hills so I think we had an advantage at that ride.

“The riders were very competitive and I was so proud of my horse for pushing hard to win...

Read more here:
https://gympietoday.com.au/news/2021/09/29/young-endurance-rider-continues-to-impress/

Scotland on Sunday Travel: The Gaucho Derby gallops through Patagonia

Scotsman.com - Full Article

Saddle up for the world’s toughest horse race

By Minty Clinch
Sunday, 3rd October 2021

The noon bugle in the clear Patagonian air released the cavalry charge. To the west, the snow covered Andean peak of San Lorenzo beckoned two dozen riders chosen for their intrepid personalities and equestrian skills.

They surged out over the scrub, each with two horses, one to ride and one to carry bright orange bags stuffed with fodder to see them through the first 80km stretch. Within a minute, one of the Americans was on the ground, trying to control two frantic animals as she re-balanced her kit. Half an hour later, as we sat down to local ostrich grilled on an open fire at La Perserverancia, the aptly named Argentinian ranch where we were based, a horse galloped into the corral. Followed a little later by the rider. The world’s toughest horse race was on its way.

The inaugural Gaucho Derby narrowly beat Covid-19 to the starting blocks in late February 2020. By the time it was over, it was hard to get home but those who were there had a dramatic lockdown story to sustain them The race was the brainchild of Tom Morgan, owner and founder of The Adventurists, a travel company that takes its clients to the edge. It was a spin off of his Mongolian Derby, first run across the steppe in 2009, now a must do for any ambitious endurance rider over 18...

Read more here:
https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/travel/scotland-on-sunday-travel-the-gaucho-derby-gallops-through-patagonia-3404614

Discovering Team EFG Monaco, specialising in endurance riding

Monaco-Tribune.com - Full Article

Romain Boisaubert - 27 September 2021

An endurance riding team led by the Monegasque Equestrian Federation, Team EFG has continued to progress since its creation in 2010. We met its team manager, Henry-David Guedj.

It is in the heights of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, on a plot of nearly two hectares in the heart of the wilderness, that the horses of Team EFG reside.

“We are lucky enough to be right next to the trails reserved for firemen, which are not accessible to cars”, reveals Henry-David Guedj. “This allows us to give our horses the opportunity to work on their foundations, on an ideal terrain, with inclines”.

A team of promising young talents This allows the horses to work on their galloping endurance, but also their tendons, as the team manager explains. “We can do long sessions of four hours, in order to strengthen their back. And compared to our friends who are based in Alsace, we can expect good weather all year round”, smiles the man who competes for the Principality...

Read more here:
https://www.monaco-tribune.com/en/2021/09/discovering-team-efg-monaco-specialising-in-endurance-riding/

Annie Whelan Competes in the First Iceland Endurance Ride!

September 27 2021
Merri Melde-Endurance.net

Iceland has been a rather recently-discovered ‘hidden secret’ for horseback riding trips, particularly among Endurance riders. We are fit for long rides, crave the adventure, and the Icelandic horse is well-broke and made up of GO; so it’s a perfect combination for riding a very different kind of horse, covering the miles and exploring the extraordinarily scenic country.

But what about an actual Iceland Endurance ride?

20-year-old Annie Whelan, of Louisa, Kentucky, lucked in on the ground floor of what was Iceland’s first point-to-point 4-day, 150-mile Endurance ride in August 2021.

Native Icelander Aníta Margrét Aradóttir came up with the idea after competing in the Mongol Derby. “I did the Mongol Derby in 2014,” she said, “and wanted to make this concept in Iceland (but shorter ride and not as extreme), because Iceland is perfect for a ride like this.

“The Icelandic horse breed is very strong and we have the unbelievable landscape and nature, and then the weather is also extreme.”

As an employee of The Icelandic Equestrian Association, Anita got the support to lead the work to host an Endurance race across the highlands of Iceland with Cintamani as the main sponsor.

Annie Whelan had never had a particular yearning to head to Iceland for a ride, until her mom, Amy Whelan, went there in 2015 on an 8-day horse ride with a group of Mongol Derby veterans (Amy competed in the 2014 Mongol Derby with Anita) and just loved it. When Anita searched for two international riders to compete against two Icelandic riders for her inaugural event, Annie was one that she invited, and Annie accepted immediately.

“I was extremely excited!” Annie said. “I was sponsored by the company Islandhestar.” (“Hestar" is Icelandic for horses.) Annie’s Swedish friend Musse Hasselvall was sponsored by Eldhestar; and two Icelanders, sponsored by Riding Iceland Saltvík and Hermanns Hestaferðir competed in this first event test run.

One big difference from the Mongol Derby would be the horses: the Icelandic competitors would be on well-broke, sturdy Icelandic horses that were unlikely to be rank and buck them off anywhere along the routes.

Also unlike the Mongol Derby, where riders must either reach family gers for shelter before nightfall or take their chances sleeping out in the open among wild dogs and prowling wolves, the Icelandic competitors stayed in huts - ubiquitous huts scattered across the country, used by Icelandic farmers, horse riders, or hikers - each night.

And unlike the Mongol Derby, where riders take their chances eating local somewhat unpalatable (to the USA palate) meals, and drinking fermented mares’ milk, the Iceland competitors were served good meals every day as part of the event.

The Iceland Endurance ride resembled a USA Endurance ride, with vet checks every (roughly) 35 kilometers, and also resembled a USA CTR ride, where riders got penalties if horses’ pulses spiked, or if they had issues like a girth gall or sore back.

There were two legs each day, and each rider had three horses (Annie’s were Throttur, Fjalar, and Strokúr) that they rotated out during the legs and days. (This is typical of an Icelandic touring ride; a herd will normally accompany a multi-day ride, and riders will stop and switch horses every two to three hours).

The trails were not marked, but the route was explained to riders as they left the stations. Most of the trails were used by ride-touring groups, so they were pretty set trails. “So in giving directions, you could see certain mountains, and they’d say, ‘OK you’re going to the left of that,’ stuff like that to help us,” Annie said. There was some navigation involved, and Annie did “have some navigational issues. I did get lost once,” she laughed. Annie rode about half of the time alone, and half with other riders.

And in riding the remarkable Icelandic horses, she learned to let them do their thing. “That is exactly what the owners told me. They said, ‘You need to let them choose, because they know the best way.’

“At home, I’m definitely used to being more the pilot and helping my horse. My horse is allowed to kind of pick and choose, but sometimes I’m like, ‘No, we’re going this way,’ or ‘You need to go around that.’ But not these Icelandic horses!

“Some of the footing I’ve never ridden over before - rocks, mounds, holes - these horses can just trot along. They’re amazing. I learned pretty quickly that they know way better than me what they’re doing.

“They were just so athletic and fit. The terrain in Iceland is so diverse which was really different to me. I loved it. And the scenery was just breathtaking.

“It was a monumental step in showcasing the incredible Icelandic horse’s versatility, toughness, and stamina,” Annie said. “This is turning the page in Iceland for a whole new chapter for these incredible horses.

“I’ve never been anywhere that remote in my life. It was beautiful. And the horses were just absolutely amazing. They are so sure-footed and just had such good strong kind personalities. They were awesome.

“If you haven’t been to Iceland, book the ticket and go. It’s the most incredible place I have traveled to in my life so far. It is a truly magical place and I feel like I left a little piece of my heart in those beautiful and wild mountains.”

**Note: In November the The Icelandic Equestrian Association will debut a 40-second trailer about the race, which will have information on next year’s event. Stay tuned here on Endurance.net for it!

Photos are from Annie’s adventure!

The Mongol Derby Herder Trials

Equestrianists.com

by The Adventurists

This summer, we ran the first of our new programme to share the breadth of human equestrian knowledge - The Mongol Derby Herder Trials. The winner, Erdenechuluun Tsogtgerel, is on his way to Argentina to learn from and share his equine knowledge with the Gauchos in Patagonia.

Launched in the midst of the pandemic to keep the spirit of the Mongol Derby alive, the Trials celebrated the incredible horsemanship of herders across Mongolia, and serve as a thank you to our herder families, who work tirelessly throughout the Derby and who have waited 2 years for our riders to return. 28 herders, representing our herder families, came from across the steppe to partake in the weekend’s competition judged by our panel of experts.

Erdenechuluun, our champion herder will now travel to Argentina in 2022 to see how it’s done Gaucho style and teach the Gauchos how it’s done in the Land of Genghis Khan.

We’ll be reporting more on the trials over the next couple of weeks so watch out for more across our socials and on our website.

Equestrianists.com/

Netherlands: Ermelo Hosts Endurance's Top Stars

FEI.org - Full Article

19 September 2021
Words by Stacy Stearns

France and Spain took Team titles...

An exciting day unfolded on September 9 at the FEI World Endurance Championship Young Riders and Juniors in Ermelo, the Netherlands as 74 riders representing 20 countries competed in the 120km event.

The young athletes from France won the Team gold, and Saeed Salem Almuhairi of the United Arab Emirates captured his third consecutive Young Rider championship aboard Haleh, a 10-year-old Arabian mare, owned by M7 Stables. Haleh also won gold at the FEI Endurance World Championship in Italy earlier this year with Salem Hamad Saeed Al Kitbi.

Team Malaysia won the silver behind France, and Belgium earned the Team bronze.

In the Individual medals, Abdulla Ali Alamri on Tonki Dee Boo Basil of the United Arab Emirates won the silver, and Rut Badia Marfa on Addhy El Ziryab of Spain finished in the bronze position.

In the FEI Endurance European Championships, also in Ermelo, Spain's Soy Coll Angel & Warren Hill Chayze were victorious. France's Vincent Gaudriot and Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton took silver and bronze respectively. Spain took Team gold, with France in second and Italy third...

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/ermelo-hosts-endurances-top-stars

Winning streak continues for UAE at FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses

GulfToday.ae - Full Article

19 September 2021
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE continued their winning streak when Fares Al Mansoori led home a one-two finish for the Emirates in the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in Sardinia, Italy on Saturday, September 18.

Riding the M7 Stables-owned Nahar Shabab, Al Mansoori completed the 120km course in a time of 5 hours 00.16 seconds.

He was followed across the finish by compatriot Khalfan Juma Beljafla aboard Kashmir, also representing the powerful M7 Endurance Stables.

Earlier this month the UAE’s Saeed Al Muhairi had won the 120km CSI 4* World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and at Ermelo, Netherlands...

Read more here:
https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2021/09/19/winning-streak-continues-for-uae-at-fei-endurance-world-championship-for-young-horses

FEI Suspends Saudis

Inside.FEI.org

FEI Tribunal issues Final Decisions in equine anti-doping cases

15 September 2021

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decisions in two equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance and a Controlled Medication.

The horse Ger Ashir (FEI ID 103UH98 /KSA), ridden by Odai Alqurashi (FEI ID 10203848/KSA), tested positive for the Banned Substance Diisopropylamine following samples taken at the CEI1*100 - Riyadh (KSA), on 6-7 November 2020.

The athlete did not provide any explanation as to how the banned Substances entered the horse’s system.

In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse and athlete from the event, and imposed a two-year suspension on the athlete. The period of the provisional suspension of the athlete, which came into effect on 9 December 2020, shall be credited against the period of ineligibility, meaning he will be ineligible until 8 December 2022. The athlete was also fined CHF 7,500 and asked to pay costs of CHF 2,000.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision

The full Decision is available here.

The horses Ger Ashir (FEI ID 103UH98 /KSA) and Takada Prince (FEI ID 104PB34/KSA), both trained by Munair Alfaqeih (FEI ID 10062545/KSA), respectively tested positive for the Banned Substance Diisopropylamine and the Controlled Medication Flunixin following samples taken at the CEI1*100 - Riyadh (KSA), on 6-7 November 2020.

The trainer did not provide any explanation as to how the substances entered the horse’s systems.

Since the two Rule Violations arose from the same Event the FEI was not able to notify the Trainer of the first Rule Violation before the second Rule Violation was committed, therefore the violations were considered together as one single first violation.

In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal imposed a two-year suspension on the trainer. The period of the provisional suspension the trainer, which came into effect on 9 December 2020, shall be credited against the period of ineligibility, meaning he will be ineligible until 8 December 2022. The trainer was also fined CHF 7,500 and asked to pay costs of CHF 2,000.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision

The full Decision is available here.

Double celebrations for Team Great Britain at Ermelo

Nicki Thorne and Kamilcia competing at the European Championships in Ermelo - Picture courtesy of Murielle Mulder Fotographie

EGB.myclubhouse.co.uk - Full Article

Web Admin
13 September 2021

Double celebrations for Team GB as ‘talisman’ British Rider earns a European Championship completion while a British-bred horse is crowned FEI European Champion at Ermelo

• British rider Nicola Thorne and Kamilcia cement their place among Europe’s leading endurance combinations finishing in 25th place at the FEI European Championships in The Netherlands on Saturday 6 September
• The experienced Norfolk-based rider and trainer was representing her country for the sixth time, a record for the sport
• Second British rider chosen to ride as an individual at the Championships, Carmine Villani, successfully completed four loops of the 160km track with his horse Vatou de Gargassan before departure from the competition at the fourth vetgate
• British bred horse Warrens Hill Chayze, bred by Lesley Dunn at her Warrens Hill Stud in Monmouthshire and produced to international level by British rider Harry Ingram before being sold to Spain, is crowned European Champion with Spanish rider Angel Soy Coll.

Nicki Thorne who has represented her country six times, more than any other British endurance rider at senior level, has sealed her place on the sport’s highest international stage earning a completion at an exceptionally tough FEI 3* 160km European Championship at Ermelo in The Netherlands.

Nicki and her Polish Malopolska mare Kamilcia finished the gruelling track over sand dunes, heathland and forest tracks in 25th place with a total ride time of 10 hr 30min and at a speed of 15.36km/hr. Of 55 starters from 19 countries, there were 28 finishers with a mixture of gait and metabolic reasons disqualifying the remaining 27 combinations...

Read more at:
https://egb.myclubhouse.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Double+celebrations+for+Team+GB+at+Ermelo

Spain's Angel Soy Coll Wins European Endurance Championship Aboard Warrens Hill Chayze

Spain's Angel Soy Coll Wins European Championship Aboard Warrens Hill Chayze

Spain's Warrens Hill Chayze, ridden by Angel Soy Coll, won the 160-km European Championship on 11 September at Ermelo, Netherlands, im a ride time of 7:37.21.

Finishing second was France's Vincent Gaudriot aboard Bum Baya D'Aqui in 7:39.53.

Former multiple European and World Champion Maria Alvarez Ponton from Spain finished third aboard JM Elegido in 7:45.58.

Team gold went to Spain with a complete ride time of 23:23.52; Jaume Punti Dachs finished 5th aboard Echo Falls to complete the winning team. France got the silver in 23:34.40, and Team Italy took home the bronze in 26:26.26. How's that for timing.

Individual results can be seen here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Netherlands/2021EuropeanChampionship/NED_CH_EU_E_2021_Individual.pdf

Team results can be seen here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Netherlands/2021EuropeanChampionship/NED_CH_EU_E_2021_Team.pdf

More info at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Netherlands/2021EuropeanChampionship/

U.S. Endurance Team Finishes in Fifth Place at 2021 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors

Murielle Mulder photo

USEF.org

by U.S. Equestrian Communications Department | Sep 10, 2021

Ermelo, The Netherlands – The U.S. Endurance Team finished in fifth place at the 2021 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors in Ermelo, The Netherlands, marking the program’s best finish since 2015. The team combinations of Charlene Dugan (Muncy, Pa.) and Southern Justice, Alex Shampoe (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Promissin Gold, Meghan Wert (Spring Mills, Pa.) and Dude Free Gold each completed the 120km ride, which included four different loops. The team was led by Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion and included 15 crew members and an additional eight dedicated support staff. Alex Shampoe was the team's highest-placed athlete, finishing in 14th. ©Murielle Mulder

In the only major international championship of the year for U.S. Young Rider and Junior endurance athletes, the 2021 FEI Endurance World Championship was a welcomed opportunity for talented and upcoming youth athletes from the U.S. to test their horsemanship skills against other international youth athletes in a competitive championship environment. The 2021 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors saw more than 20 countries comprised of 74 total combinations contest the ride with 38 pairs ultimately passing the final horse inspection to complete the ride. Each horse was required to pass a mandatory veterinary inspection focused on soundness and metabolic recovery rate at the conclusion of each loop to continue forward with the ride, with two checks occurring before combinations set off on their final loop.

Providing a pathway to future senior championships, the U.S. Endurance Team finished all three team combinations, with Shampoe earning 14th place as the highest-placed American and finishing the ride in 6:23:44 with Promissin Gold, a 2013 Arabian mare owned by Valerie Kanavy. Dugan rode Southern Justice, a 2012 gelding owned by Sally Jellison and Dessia Miller, to 32nd place overall, completing their fourth and final loop at 7:27:40. Wert and Dude Free Gold, a 2008 Arabian gelding owned by Valerie Kanavy, took 34th place, completing their ride in 8:01:50...

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-endurance-team-finishes-in-fifth-place-at

Malaysian National junior riders shine on leased horses in Holland

TheStar.com.MY - Full Article

11 September 2021
By LIM TEIK HUAT

PETALING JAYA: It was nothing short of a stunning performance from the national equestrian athletes who galloped to a fine silver on leased horses in the FEI World Endurance Champion-ship for Young and Junior Riders in Ermelo, Holland. Faris Haikal Hassan Sa’ari, Yusuf Luqman Zakaria, Nur Qasrina Amani Zakaria, An-Nur Muhd Imran Eirfan Anuwar and Anfal Insyirah Abu Talib, riding on horses on loan from France as they could not bring their own due to border restrictions, clocked 19’11:16 in the 120km race. The French team secured gold in 16’57:27 while Belgium claimed the bronze medal with 20’43:03.

It is the first time Malaysia have made the podium in their fifth participation...

Read more here:
https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/others/2021/09/11/national-junior-riders-shine-on-leased-horses-in-holland

Great Britain: This 80-Year-Old Woman Treks 600 Miles Every Year With Her Horse & Dog Proving Age Is Just Number

ScoopWhoop.com - Full Article

September 9 2021
Taniya Firoz Khan

To redefine your idea of 'age is just a number', meet 80-Year-Old Jane Dotchin, who for the 40th time, has packed her saddlebags and embarked on an adventurous trek from her home in Hexham, Northumberland to Inverness, Scotland.

Since 1972, Jane has been making this annual trip on her 13-year-old horse, Diamond, travelling 600 miles on horseback.

Jane carries everything she needs for the trip on her back, including her tent, food, and a few essentials...

Read more here:
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/travel/80-year-old-woman-treks-600-miles-horse-dog/

The Climate Ride: one horsewoman’s epic trek from John O’Groats to Land’s End for environmental education

YourHorse.Co.UK - Full Article

9 September 2021
by Mel Beale

A 22-year-old horsewoman from Devon has completed an epic ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End with two horses to raise money for environmental education around climate change.

The journey involved a temporary bridge built in front of her by Highways England to avoid a seven-mile detour and navigating busy roads where she was “nearly killed by a car” everyday.

Elsa Kent embarked on the challenge, which she named The Climate Ride, on 25 June with her two mares Rosie and Summer. It took the trio 64 days of riding to make the journey, which totalled over 1,000 miles.

“From a young age I’d always known horseback travel resonated with me,” said Elsa, who has worked at horseback safaris across Africa. “I came back from Kenya earlier this year when it was red-listed and had a couple of months before I start my masters, so I though ‘no time like the present’ and just decided to do it...”

Read more here:
https://www.yourhorse.co.uk/news/the-climate-ride-one-horsewomans-epic-trek-from-john-ogroats-to-lands-end-for-environmental-education/

UAE's Al Muhairi makes history at world championships for young riders

KhaleejTimes.com - Full Article

Team KT/Dubai
Filed on September 9, 2021

Al Muhairi exhibited extraordinary maturity and composure to master an international field of 74 riders UAE’s Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi turned the FEI CSI 4 Star World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors into his time machine when he won the challenging 120 lm ride for the third consecutive time at Ermelo, Netherlands, on Thursday.

Still, only 19, Al Muhairi exhibited extraordinary maturity and composure to master an international field of 74 riders as he triumphantly crossed the finish line in a time of five hours, nine minutes and 10 seconds.

It was a stunning repeat performance of his Italian successes, at San Rossore in 2019 and Valeggio Sul Mincico in 2017...

Read more here:
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/horse-racing/uaes-al-muhairi-makes-history-at-world-championships-for-young-riders

Three USA Young Riders finish World Championship in Netherlands

September 9 2021

The 120-km CEI**** Young Rider Junior World Championship in Ermelo, Netherlands on September 6 2021, saw a total of 74 starters from 21 countries compete. 38 finished. UAE's Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi finished first riding Haleh in 5:09.10.

Alex Shampoe finished 14th aboard Valerie Kanavy's Promissin Gold in a ride time of 6:23.44.

Charlene Dugan finished 32nd aboard Southern Justice, owned by Sally Jellison and Dessia Miller, in a ride time of 7:27.40.

Meghan Wert finished 35th riding Dude Free Gold, owned by Valerie Kanavy, in a ride time of 8:01.50.

Individual results can be seen here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Netherlands/2021YJWorldChampionship/NED_20210909_C1_Final.pdf

Team results can be seen here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Netherlands/2021YJWorldChampionship/NED_20210909_TEAM_Final.pdf

UAE'S Al Muhairi eyes hat trick in Netherlands

KhaleejTimes.com - Full Article

Team KT/Dubai
Filed on September 8, 2021

UAE will also be looking to complete a hat trick of wins in the Team Event, having struck gold at San Rossore and Valeggio Sul Mincio

Two-time champion Sayed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi will spearhead the UAE’s challenge at the 2021 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors which will be held at Ermelo, Netherlands.

The 19-year-old rider, who recorded impressive wins at the last two editions of the event at San Rossore (2019) and Valeggio Sui Mincio (2017), in Italy, is among five UAE riders who will compete for individual and team honours at the prestigious bi-annual Championships.

The last edition of the FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors which took place in San Rossore, Pisa, in September, 2019, saw the complete dominance of the UAE team with Saeed Almuhairi (M7 Endurance Stables) winning the gold.../

Read more here:
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/horse-racing/uaes-al-muhairi-eyes-hat-trick-in-netherlands

Rider to represent Great Britain in endurance championships

EDP24.co.uk - Full Article

Sarah Hussain
Published: 3:50 PM September 6, 2021

A Norfolk endurance horse rider will represent both county and country at a major championship this week, after missing the opportunity to compete last year due to Covid-19.

Nicki Thorne, 50, of Shipdham, is on her way to Ermelo in The Netherlands to take part in the FEI European Endurance Championships from September 6 to 11.

This will be the sixth time Mrs Thorne has represented her country at major championships, having ridden in European Championships, World Championships and one World Equestrian Games.

The sport of endurance involves competitive long distance riding, with Mrs Thorne taking part in 140km and 160km events...

Read more here:
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/nicki-thorne-to-represent-gb-endurance-championships-8297326

Wales: Powys town to play host to Red Dragon Festival of Endurance

CountyTimes.co.uk - Full Article

3 September 2021
By Gavin Grosvenor

The Welsh National Championship for endurance riding switches a new venue this year – moving from its previous home at Pembrey in coastal Carmarthenshire to the iconic setting of the British Horse Feeds & Golden Paste Company Red Dragon Festival of Endurance in the Cambrian Mountains.

Organisers say support for the famous event from the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells which takes riders on a range of routes from 16km to 160km in two days over the Cambrian Mountains is back bigger than ever with the addition of the prestigious Welsh Endurance Championships which this year is sponsored by Presteigne-based blow-moulding company Hadley Hargreaves Ltd.

The event will take place from September 24-26 and will see riders compete in grassroots, novice, open and advanced classes to earn the title of Welsh champion...

Read more here:
https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/local/builth_wells/19556502.powys-town-play-host-red-dragon-festival-endurance/

Great Britain: Linda’s star shines at Well Vale to crown a stunning 2021 season

EverythingHorseUK.co.uk - Full Article

04/09/2021
News Team

• Linda Cowperthwaite and Krakatau notch up superb win in three-day 166km National Ride to top off second place in International FEI CEI 2* 120km Royal Windsor back in July

• Para-Equestrian Endurance rider Kirsty Wiscombe, only finisher in FEI International Classes taking victory with Yawl Hill Big Yin in FEI CEI 1* 100km class

• 100km CER was won by John Black and CA Jalmeer with Susannah French and CF Matilda in second place.

• Nearly 100 riders competed over the three days including nine British combinations contesting FEI International classes

• Popular Team Spirit won by local Endurance GB Lindum Group

Lancashire-based rider Linda Cowperthwaite crowned a superb season with her 11-year-old, 15.3hh chestnut Arab gelding Krakatau, by taking the three-day 166km National Competitive Endurance Ride (CER) at Endurance GB’s new venue at Well Vale near Alford on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Sponsored by Emerald Green Feeds and Sheer Endurance, the new event attracted 80 riders to a range of classes across the distances including International FEI classes...

Read more here:
https://everythinghorseuk.co.uk/lindas-star-shines-at-well-vale-to-crown-a-stunning-2021-season/

South Africa: Leandra horse riders excel at endurance race

RidgeTimes.co.za - Full Story

The three-day event stretched over 200km.

September 4 2020

Horse riders from the Leandra Endurance Club formed part of the Mpumalanga team that took part in a 200km race held at Dullstroom from August 20 to August 22.

David Armitage, Peet Hattingh, Suemarie Roarty, Lillian Veldman, JP Roarty and Barrie Badenhorst all obtained their provincial colours.

Peet Hattingh said that it was one of the toughest terrains in which to compete, however the Mpumalanga team did exceptionally well.

He explained that veterinarians did strict check-ups on the horses before and during the race...

Read more here:
https://ridgetimes.co.za/267571/leandra-horse-riders-excel-at-endurance-race/

Iceland: Horse Race Takes Place Over Highlands

Grapevine.is - Full Story

August 31 2021
Words by Desirai Thompson
Photo by Vísir/Landssamband hestamanna

The National Association of Horsemen (Landssamband hestamanna) put on a four-day endurance race over the highlands which ended yesterday. Having begun the journey in Skagafjörður, the riders traveled roughly 70 kilometres per day until they reached Þingvellir.

Four participants, two Icelanders and two foreigners, took on the challenge with teams comprised of three horses, one competitor and a veterinarian each. The ride is meant to emphasise endurance, courage, strength and appreciation for Icelandic nature, reports Vísir. More than that, the race centres the strength and amazing ability of the iconic Icelandic horse.

The race was won by Iðunn Bjarnadóttir, riding for Riding Iceland Saltvík, clocking in at 18 hours and 40 minutes. Next up was Annie Whelan, riding for Íslandshestar with 18 hours and 52 minutes...

Read more here:
https://grapevine.is/news/2021/08/31/horse-race-takes-place-over-highlands/

Great Britain: Red Dragon Festival is back with a roar

EGB.MyClubhouse.co.uk

Web Admin
29 August 2021

Iconic Endurance GB British Horse Feeds and Golden Paste Company Red Dragon Festival is back with a roar

• Festival of Endurance at Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells (24-26 September) sponsored by British Horse Feeds and Golden Paste Company hosts array of 2021 Championship events • Nearly 300 riders expected to compete over the three days including teams from across the country in the Pony Club National Championships • National Championship classes to attract many leading horse and rider combinations to tackle iconic Cambrian Mountain route including the ride’s legendary climb over Aberedw Hill summit. • Welsh Championship newly added after move from Pembrey Sands

Often billed as an end of season party, the iconic British Horse Feeds & Golden Paste Company Red Dragon Festival of Endurance is back bigger and better than ever next month after a year’s absence due to the spike in Covid cases across Wales last autumn.

Organisers say support for the iconic event in the Cambrian Mountains, swelled last year and have put plans in place to ensure it bounces back bigger and better than ever.

John and Jane Hudson in their 10th year as organisers of the prestigious event, held from the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, say that they were overwhelmed by the strong backing of the sponsors and the support of the endurance community when it became clear that the Welsh Government would have to delay lifting of restrictions in time, forcing the cancellation of the 2020 event.

John Hudson said: “A huge amount of work had gone into last year’s event and the support then gave us the impetus to return this year bigger and better than ever...”

More at:
https://egb.myclubhouse.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Red+Dragon+Festival+is+back+with+a+roar

Three-day extravaganza at Endurance GB’s new FEI Well Vale International Ride

EGB.myclubhouse.co.uk - Full Article

26 August 2021
Sponsored by Emerald Green Feeds and Sheer Endurance

Three-day extravaganza at Endurance GB’s new FEI Well Vale International Ride, sponsored by Emerald Green Feeds and Sheer Endurance kicks off

• New venue to host three day extravaganza of Endurance (27-29 August) with classes of all distances and for all levels.
• Nearly 100 riders set to compete over the three days including nine British combinations contesting FEI International classes
• Popular Team Spirit returns to the schedule after Covid-enforced gap in 2020

Endurance GB welcomes a new FEI International Ride at Well Vale near Alford in the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds this weekend. Sponsored by Emerald Green Feeds and Sheer Endurance, the event has attracted nearly 100 riders to a range of classes across the distances including three FEI sections, a 3* 160km, 1* 100km and 2* YJ 120km.

With a stunning venue in front of Well Vale Estate Hall, organiser Thay Stephenson and her team are presenting a course running almost exclusively on private tracks, field margins and rights of way which will take riders over the glorious Wolds countryside...

Read more here:
https://egb.myclubhouse.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Threeday+extravaganza+at+Endurance+GBs+new+FEI+Well+Vale+International+Ride

Australia: Collie to host Tom Quilty National Endurance Championship on October 1-3

FarmWeely.com.au - Full Story

Amanda Rayner
25 Aug 2021, 6 p.m.

FROM October 1-3, the South West town of Collie, 200 kilometres from Perth, will play host to the Tom Quilty National Endurance Championship.

WA has had the honour of hosting the 100 mile (160 kilometre) ride on four previous occasions - Mornington Mills in 1989, Toodyay in 1995, Tumbulgum Farm in 2001 and 2007 and Wagin in 2014.

This time around, the WA Endurance Riders Association (WAERA) will co-host the event with the historic and scenic Shire of Collie, which has also kindly offered the support of its community-based volunteer groups.

WAERA feels that the event has a special affinity with WA as Tom Quilty, who the event is named in honour of, lived a great part of his life in the State...

Read more here:
https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/7399502/one-horse-one-rider-one-day-100-miles/

Interview with Spanish top athlete María Álvarez Pontón

Endurance-World.com - Full Article

Info@endurance-world.com
23rd August 2021
Barcelona, Spain.

Introducing María Álvarez Pontón is not needed for the pundits in the horse endurance community.

With the European Championship coming up in two weeks in Ermelo, Netherlands, María is one of the top contenders. Maria is a very private person avoiding interviews yet Endurance World was able to catch up with this Spanish top amazon.

Who is María Álvarez Pontón?

I was born in Cantabria (North of Spain) in 1976, July 20. I grew up there and when I was 18 I moved to the South to study to become a vet. Being there I got the opportunity to go to Dubai. I went as a nice experience, with the idea of spending six months in Dubai and coming back. I ended up working there for 13 years. I met my husband, Juma Punti, who is also my trainer, and we’ve been together ever since. Nowadays I live with Juma and our 3 children in our farm in Barcelona, where we breed and train endurance horses...”

Read the interview here:
https://endurance-world.com/interview-with-spanish-top-athlete-maria-alvarez-ponton/

3 USA Young Riders Bound for World Championship in Netherlands

August 21 2020

Three riders will represent the USA in the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors which will be held at Ermelo in the Netherlands on September 6-11, 2021.

19-year-old Alex Shampoe, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, will ride Valerie Kanavy and Wndy MacCoubrey's 10-year-old Arabian mare, Fine Cut Gold. This pair won the USA Young Rider 75-mile Championship at Fort Howes, Montana, in June.

16-year-old Charlene “Charly” Dugan, from Muncy, Pennsylvania, will ride the 9-year-old gelding Southern Justice, owned by Sally Jellison and Dessia Miller.

14-year-old Meghan Wert, from Spring Mills, Pennsylvania, will ride the 13-year-old gelding Dude Free Gold, owned by Valery Kanavy.

Alex Shampoe and Valerie Kanavy's Promissin Gold, an 8-year-old Arabian mare, are the alternates.

115 riders and 140 horses representing 23 countries are on the nominated list. The definite entry list is scheduled for September 4th.

Netherlands: Interview with Eric Lamsma, Ermelo Organiser

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

Info@endurance-world.com
12th August 2021

Ermelo, the Netherlands. Wednesday 11 August 2021.

With less than a month to go for the FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors 2021 and FEI European Endurance Championship 2021, Endurance World talked to Eric Lamsma, organiser of the event.

Who is behind the organisation?

Eric Lamsma: “Fasna Trail foundation which is managed by Pieter Wiersinga and myself. We have a core team of four people and when you look at the bigger circle it consists 15 people, furthermore we are lucky we can rely on more than 100 volunteers. Back in the days, Foundation Fasna Trail organised several (international) rides in Ermelo, the 2014 CEI in Uddel being the most recent event.”

The test event was, according the FEI, successful so why was there a change of organiser?

“I don’t know so I can’t answer. As soon as we were asked to organise we have been busy looking forward.” Why Ermelo as venue?

“Ermelo has the national equestrian centre and is the base of all equestrian disciplines of the National Federation ‘Koninklijke Nederlandse Hippische Sportfederatie, KNHS’. The idea is to host all championships in this beautiful location, the middle of the Veluwe...”

Read more here:
https://endurance-world.com/interview-with-eric-lamsma-ermelo-organiser/

Two-year bans after claim groom’s heart medication caused horse’s positive dope test thrown out

HorseAndHound.co.uk - Full Article

Becky Murray
12 August, 2021 12:39

The FEI tribunal has ruled an endurance trainer’s suggestion that a horse tested positive for beta blockers at a UK event owing to a groom being on heart medication, was “weak, to say the least”.

Feline X tested positive for banned substance atenolol, a beta blocker used for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and obstructive cardiac disease, following blood and urine samples taken at the CEI*80 at Euston Park on 16 June 2019. A banned substance is a substance deemed by the FEI to have no legitimate use in competition horses and/or have a high potential for abuse. Banned substances are not permitted for use in competition horses at any time.

On 26 August 2019 the FEI provisionally suspended Feline X’s rider Pane Singh Amar Singh (the person responsible) and trainer Fadhl Manea Saleh Al Mathil (the additional person responsible)...

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/endurance-rider-and-trainer-banned-after-claim-grooms-heart-medication-cause-horses-positive-dope-test-thrown-out-758046

FEI Tribunal issues Final Decision in UAE Endurance equine anti-doping case

Inside.FEI.org

11 August 2021
Author: FEI

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Feline X (FEI ID 106LV53/GBR), ridden by Pane Singh Amar Singh (FEI ID 10048234/UAE) and trained by Fadhl Manea Saleh Al Mathil (FEI ID 10110945/UAE), tested positive for the Banned Substance Atenolol, a beta blocker used for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and obstructive cardiac disease, following samples taken at the CEI1* 80 - Euston Park (GBR), on 16 June 2019.

Neither the athlete, nor the trainer were able to account for the positive findings in the horse’s sample. Therefore, in its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse and athlete from the event, and imposed a two-year suspension on the athlete and the trainer. The period of the provisional suspension of both athlete and trainer, which came into effect on 26 August 2019, shall be credited against the period of ineligibility, meaning both will be ineligible until 25 August 2021. The athlete and trainer were also each fined CHF 7,500.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision.

The full Decision is available here.

Monaco: Laura Gramaglia, a promising Monegasque endurance rider

Monaco-Tribune.com - Full Article

Romain Boisaubert - 10 August 2021

Almost 18 years old and having just passed her Baccalaureate with honours, Laura Gramaglia has not finished surprising us. Passionate about horses since she was a child, the Monegasque is preparing to compete in her first equestrian endurance world championships (U21) in September. Portrait of an athlete with a big heart.

It all began a few kilometres from the Principality, in the heart of the Villeneuve-Loubet riding club, nestled in a lush green setting of nearly 25 hectares. “She must have been a year and a half old,” recalls her mother, with a smile, as she recalls the fond memories of the escapades she enjoyed with little Laura. “I had a horse and I used to hold her in front of me in the saddle. I think I passed on this passion to her. Laura grew up in this environment”...

Read more here:
https://www.monaco-tribune.com/en/2021/08/interview-laura-gramaglia-a-promising-monegasque-endurance-rider/

UAE: FEI Tribunal issues Consent Award in equine anti-doping case

Inside.FEI.org

6 August 2021

The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse El Cherry (FEI ID 105LL52/UAE), tested positive for the Banned Substance Arsenic following samples taken at the CEI1*100 Bou Thib (UAE), on 4 March 2021.

The trainer, Saif Salem Mohd Al Faresi (FEI ID 10014789/UAE), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the trainer; the provisional suspension he already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. He was also fined CHF 5,000.

The full Decision is available here.

Bermuda: Brangman Featured On Endurance News Cover

Bernews.com - Full Article

July 30, 2021

The cover of the August 2021 issue of Endurance News — which is published monthly by American Endurance Ride Conference — features Bermuda’s Marvin Brangman.

Brangman and the Kaolean Machine, owned by Marcia Weilbach, earned Best Condition at the 100 Mile AERC National Championships in Montana last month...

read more here:
https://bernews.com/2021/07/brangman-featured-endurance-news-cover/

FEI European Endurance Championship 2021 Nominated Entries announced

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

Info@endurance-world.com
17th July 2021

Ermelo, the Netherlands. Saturday 17 July 2021.

Ermelo will be the exceptional venue of two major championships in one week with the FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors scheduled on Thursday 9 September 2021 and for which Endurance World published yesterday the list of nominated entries.

Two days later, on Saturday 11 September 2021, the European Endurance Championship will take off. A total of 88 riders and 105 horses are on the nominated entry list for this 2021 European Championship. (see below)

Defending Champion Italian rider Costanza Laliscia singed present and is entered with two horses Assim Du Barthas and Xique Xique Heb.

For the teams classification defending champion Spain entered once again with a strong force. Earlier this year in Pisa, Spain claimed the team world title. One of their star riders Maria Alvarez Ponton is entered with five horses on this nominated list.

Power houses like France and Italy will for sure line up an impressive delegation...

Read more here:
https://endurance-world.com/fei-european-endurance-championship-2021-nominated-entries-announced/

Nominated list FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors 2021 announced

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

Info@endurance-world.com
16th July 2021

Ermelo, the Netherlands. Friday 16 July 2021.

The nominated entry list for FEI World Endurance Championship Young Riders and Juniors is now closed. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday 9 September 2021.

A total of 115 athletes and 140 horses are on the nominated list.

The FEI Emergency Board Resolution on 24 March 2021 suggested to “increase the number of Nominated Entries for Horses and Athletes from 10 Athletes and 14 Horses to 15 Athletes and 15 Horses (i.e. 15 combinations).” This condition was a modification of the FEI General Regulations.

It is worth noting that no National Federation signified disapproval by the deadline of 24 April 2021. This FEI Board Resolution was therefore final...

Read more here:
https://endurance-world.com/nominated-list-fei-world-endurance-championship-for-young-riders-and-juniors-2021-announced/

Great Britain: ‘The hardest day of my life’: 1,000-mile two-horse trek

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Sarah Radford
18 July, 2021 16:21

A solo rider is hoping to become the first person to trek the length of Britain with two horses.

Elsa Kent, 22, has embarked on the 1,000-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End in an attempt to introduce environmental education into the school curriculum, as well as raise money for other environmental projects.

The health and human sciences graduate is now nearly 300 miles into her mission, accompanied by 17-year-old quarter horse Rosie, who she has owned since a foal, and seven-year-old part-bred Welsh mare Summer, who she bought just two weeks before the trip.

She was inspired to undertake the journey by family friend James Greenwood, who spent 10 years riding across the world...

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/john-o-groats-to-lands-end-on-horseback-753099

Victory in Verona: Jeremy Reynolds and Treasured Moments Win the Fieracavalli Endurance Cup CEI3*

USEF.org - Full Article

by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Communications Department | Jul 13, 2021, 12:00 PM EST

Verona wasn’t the original plan for Jeremy Reynolds (Dunnellon, Fla.) when he and Treasured Moments, the 11-year-old Arabian mare owned by Jeremy and his wife, Heather, made the journey overseas this spring. But a pivot in plans turned out to be a fortuitous one for Reynolds as he crossed the finish line to win the Fieracavalli Endurance Cup CEI3*160 km in Northern Italy’s Veneto region.

Reynolds was slated to compete as part of the U.S. Endurance Team at the 2021 Longines FEI Endurance World Championships in San Rossore, Pisa, but redirected when another horse at the off-site stabling prior to the competition showed symptoms requiring monitoring under the FEI’s EHV-1 protocols. With the 2021 World Championship off the table, the door opened for the CEI one week later in Verona at the site of next year’s World Championship.

“I was there to race, so I jumped at the chance to see the course for next year,” said Reynolds. “I want to race against the best horses in the world and I didn’t want to miss my chance...”

Read more here:
https://www.usef.org/media/equestrian-weekly/victory-in-verona-jeremy-reynolds-treasured